The Ranch House Restaurant

10Best Says

Group Friendly: Barbecue fans will love The Ranch House. Chef/owner Josh Baum is passionate about 'que and does it well. The best part is they have lots of room so groups don't faze them. Show up with a group spontaneously and they'll take it in stride. Most times during the week, according to Baum, groups can walk in and be seated. On weekends, they get pretty busy and reservations are encouraged or you may have a long wait. Diners will find the usual smoked meats including brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork and bb chicken along with traditional sides. However,
The Ranch House's menu goes way beyond that. Other options include steaks, New Mexican favorites, burgers, sandwiches and salads. There's something for just about everyone making it a great choice for groups. There are two dining rooms as well as a separate barroom. Don't forget to leave room for the house-made desserts.

Homestyle: You don't have to be from Texas, North Carolina or Kansas City to find comfort in barbecue. Chef Josh Baum and his wife Ann Gordon started Josh's BBQ in 2007. They outgrew the space and concept and closed the original at the end of 2011. They opened The Ranch House, a more upscale (and diverse) eatery, the following year. Two dining rooms and a separate full bar room welcome diners. While the smoked meats (brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork and bb chicken), green chile brisket burritos, traditional sides and cornbread that customers loved remain, a lot more was added to the made from scratch menu. The menu offers steaks, New Mexican favorites, burgers, sandwiches and even salads. It has something for almost everyone. The top seller here: Red Chile Honey Glazed Baby Back Ribs. End your meal with the house-made Warm Apple Crisp.

Address

Santa Fe Local Expert

Group Friendly: "Go with the Red Chile Honey Glazed Baby Back Ribs or the brisket. The Ranch House's chef/owner Josh Baum learned the art of meat smoking from his uncle in Texas. Order the "fatty" cut, it's much more flavorful."

Homestyle: "Go for the Red Chile Honey Glazed Baby Back Ribs or the smoked brisket (or add ribs onto any dinner). If you opt for the latter, ask for 'fatty brisket,' it's way more flavorful than the lean. If you're going to eat barbecue, do it right!"

Best for Group Friendly Because: The Ranch House offers well-priced, toothsome barbecue as well as a range of other foods. They welcome groups and handle them efficiently.

Best for Homestyle Because: In some parts of this country, barbecue is synonymous with comfort food. When the yen hits you in Santa Fe, head for The Ranch House.